Submitted

Pre-employment transition services were the focus of the program at the Thursday, March 19 meeting of the Trenton Rotary Club at the BTC Bank community room.

Scott Sharp presided over the meeting, Dan Wilford gave the prayer and Brian Upton served as sergeant at arms.

Program chairman Martha Goedert introduced Deann Witt of the University of Missouri. Witt works with high school students with disabilities as they explore employment opportunities and post-secondary education options before graduation.

Witt serves as a PS-ETS specialist in the northwest district of the statewide program, working with 18 high schools. She explained that all PS-ETS specialists are certified teachers and that the program partners with the state’s vocational rehabilitation program to provide support for students with disabilities.

Services offered through the program include job exploration, workplace readiness, self-advocacy, work-based learning and post-secondary counseling. Witt said the program helps match students’ interests, aptitudes and abilities with job market opportunities while also teaching skills needed to obtain and keep employment.

Students also have opportunities to practice, tour and experience jobs in their communities. The program further assists students as they prepare for the next level of education or training needed for their goals.

To qualify, students must have a documented disability, be enrolled in high school and be between the ages of 14 and 21. Additional requirements include a consent and release form signed by a parent or guardian, along with school verification of the student’s disability status. Students younger than 16 must also have a statement in their IEP or 504 plan recommending Pre-ETS as an appropriate service.

During the business meeting, Rotary members were reminded about donations for the Shoes for Orphan Souls project.

The program for the March 26 Rotary Club meeting will feature Trenton High School spring sports coaches. Steve Taylor will serve as program chairman.